🎓 Want a Fully Funded PhD in Europe? EURAXESS is Your Secret Weapon 🇪🇺✨
Dreaming of doing a fully funded PhD in Europe — without spending years on confusing applications or agency fees?
Hey future PhD scholars! 🙌
Let me introduce you to a platform that every serious PhD aspirant should know:
👉 EURAXESS — the EU’s official jobs portal for researchers.
It’s free, legit, and packed with real PhD, postdoc & research job listings across all European countries!
🌍 What is EURAXESS?
EURAXESS is an initiative by the European Commission to support researchers at all stages of their careers. Think of it as LinkedIn for research, but better — with verified, funded positions and a focus on international mobility.
Whether you're into public policy, machine learning, environmental science, literature, or life sciences, there's something here for you.
🔎 How to Find a PhD on EURAXESS
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to make it super easy:
Use the search bar:
Keyword: “PhD”, “Doctoral”, or your field (e.g., “sociology”, “neuroscience”, “international relations”)
Country: Choose one or leave it open to explore multiple!
Organisation Type: University or Research Institute
Position: PhD or Early-Stage Researcher
Filter by:
Application deadline
Research field
Funding information (look for “Yes” under funding!)
🧠 Pro tip: Use the Advanced Search to get super-specific about your preferences.
👩💻 How to Create a Powerful EURAXESS Profile
Your EURAXESS profile is often the first thing supervisors or selection committees will see. Here's how to make it pop:
✅ Must-Haves:
Professional photo
A clear, concise bio (your research interest in 2–3 lines)
Upload a detailed CV (preferably in the Europass or academic format)
List your education, research experience, publications (if any), and skills
Highlight language skills and international experiences (Erasmus, internships, etc.)
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t apply directly on EURAXESS, a solid profile helps if professors look you up.
📬 What If You Don’t See a PhD Listed in Your Field?
Don’t worry — many professors are open to taking PhD candidates if you make a great impression.
Here’s a sample email you can use to cold-reach out to potential supervisors:
✉️ Sample Email to a Professor:
Subject: Prospective PhD Candidate – Research Collaboration Inquiry
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well.
My name is [Your Name], and I hold a Master's degree in [Your Field] from [Your University]. I have been closely following your work on [Specific Topic or Paper], and I find your research particularly aligned with my interests in [Brief Description of Your Research Interest].
I am very keen to pursue a PhD under your guidance and contribute meaningfully to your ongoing or upcoming projects. I was wondering if there might be any upcoming PhD openings in your department, or if you are open to supervising a self-funded or externally funded candidate.
I would be happy to send across my CV, research proposal, or any further details you may require.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn or EURAXESS Profile Link]
[Contact Information]
💰 Are EURAXESS PhDs Funded?
YES! The best part — most PhDs listed on EURAXESS are fully funded, meaning:
You get a monthly salary or stipend 💶
Full tuition waiver 🏫
Health insurance 🏥
Sometimes, travel or research budget too ✈️
Average stipends range from €1,200 to €2,200/month, depending on the country.
🧭 Bonus Tips to Boost Your Chances
Customize each application for the project and the professor
Keep your CV academic-focused
Show genuine interest in their research — mention a recent paper!
If required, get your documents translated or certified in English
Follow the deadline religiously — most don’t get extensions
✨ Ready to Dive In?
EURAXESS isn’t just a job board — it’s your gateway to a research career in Europe. Whether you're in India, Africa, Asia, or Latin America, this platform is built to support international talent.
📌 Start exploring here: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs
If you want to talk to me about your profile, click here for the link for a 1:1 consultation!
Let’s make your global academic dream a reality — one smart step at a time.
With coffee-fueled encouragement,
Sheenam